MICHAEL HUNTER is confident of recapturing his former glory after announcing his comeback just four months after retiring from professional boxing.

Hartlepool’s ex-British, European and Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion hung up his gloves in March citing a lack of motivation.

But the 30-year-old is back in full training and planning a fresh assault on the 8st 10lb division, with his return tentatively scheduled for Eston in October, when Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott will make the first defence of his Commonwealth featherweight title.

Hunter has rejected a lucrative offer to link up with Frank Maloney to continue his association with trainer Neil Fannan, manager Dave Garside and promoter Barry Hearn.

“I lost a little bit of love with the sport and I was heartbroken when my mam died,” he told the Evening Gazette.

“I was down in the dumps and instead of going away and grieving I just packed in.

“But I was bored out of my mind without boxing and got a big money offer to come back.

“That would have upset too many people if I’d taken it and I’m loyal.

“The desire is back and I’m doing it for the glory, not the money.”

Rendall Munroe (European) and Matthew Marsh (British) now possess two of the belts which Hunter once held.

But Hunter, whose only defeat in 30 bouts came against Steve Molitor for the IBF world title, is upbeat about his prospects of regaining at least one of the titles.

“There is only Munroe out there at the moment really, he has got a good boxing brain,” said Hunter.

“But his first defence was against Salem Bouaita, who couldn’t even have laced my boots, and he won the title from Kiko Martinez, who I would smash to bits.

“Marsh has got a bit of heart but hopefully I can challenge for a title by the end of the year.

“I’m back without a doubt. I’m going to see a sports nutritionist this week to help me get down to the weight safely and build up my strength and I’m feeling fit as a lop already.”

Hunter was not at his best when he last boxed in February, grinding out a one-point win over tricky Dewsbury journeyman Youssef Al Hamidi.

But he said critics who took the performance as a sign that his powers have faded should think again.

“I lost two-and-a-half stone in six weeks for that fight but never mind the excuses, I wasn’t that bad,” he added.

“Al Hamidi is an awkward customer who went on to end Anthony Crolla’s unbeaten record.

“And I thought for a while he was beating John Murray, who has just won the British lightweight title.